Criticize Azam Khan heavily, but avoid body shaming: Ahmed Shehzad's sincere request to fans

Pakistan batsman Ahmed Shehzad called for the body-shaming of wicket-keeper batsman Azam Khan to stop once and for all.

Azam Khan, who is the son of former Pakistani World Cup winner Moin Khan, is currently in the USA for the ICC T20 World Cup 2024. The middle-order batsman, known for his ultra-aggressive approach, was given the chance to start for Pakistan in their opening Group A match against Monank Patel's USA, who defeated the 2009 T20 World Champions in Super Overs.

On his debut T20 WC match against USA, Azam Khan continued to disappoint the team management and the fans as he departed for a golden duck. That was a very good match for him to showcase his skills and talent but unfortunately, that didn't turn out to be the case for him. As a result, he was benched by new head coach Gary Kirsten during the following games against India and Canada.

The prospects of his comeback on the National side are looking very less as the team management will not want to take any chances in the do-or-die game against Ireland. Ahead of that match, former opener Ahmed Shehzad made a special appeal to the Pakistan fans as well as the cricketing fraternity overall.

Ahmed Shehzad comes in support of Azam Khan

While speaking to a local Pakistani channel, Ahmed Shehzad was asked to shed light on Azam Khan and the criticism he faces for his performances. In his response, the former batter asked everyone on the show and the people watching it to make sure they don't comment on Azam's body weight, for which he usually gets the stick from the people.

Shahzad feels that it is the wrong thing to do as it might impact the mental health of Azam Khan, who might even have a good future with the National team. Ahmed Shehzad claimed that criticism is a good thing for a player but trolling someone for their body weight is not a good thing at all.

He feels people can criticize Azam Khan about his performances, form, gameplay, and statistics but not about his body weight. Ahmed Shahzad also highlighted that due to the trolling, the batter doesn't even post anything on social media platforms.

"You asked about Azam Khan. I will say this from this platform. So, he is obviously playing for Pakistan and everyone that plays for the Nation is answerable. You, me, all of us should criticize players that's not an issue but he's just a kid, he should not be body shamed. You can whatever you want."

"You can talk about his gameplay, You can speculate about his stats but don't body shame him, that kid has deleted everything on his social media account. He can be the future of Pakistan cricket but don't criticize him so much in the World Cup that he ends up going down and out," Shahzad said.

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"Don't disrespect Azam Khan by body-shaming him" - Ahmad Shahzad

A very valid point raised by Ahmad Shahzad. Talk about Azam's stats, his performances, but don't go personal with him on social media. The team management selected him, make them accountable for it. Well said ❤️ p<!---->i<!---->c<!---->.<!---->t<!---->w<!---->i<!---->t<!---->t<!---->e<!---->r<!---->.<!---->c<!---->o<!---->m<!---->/<!---->D<!---->2<!---->J<!---->b<!---->E<!---->1<!---->h<!---->8<!---->Z<!---->L

— Farid Khan (@_FaridKhan) J<!---->u<!---->n<!---->e<!----> <!---->1<!---->4<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->4